Am I a jerk ??????

superjtrdr · 07-06-2008, 07:01 PM

My neigbors had a 12 month old pit bull. The dog was tied to a 7 foot chain 24/7. I pleaded with them to let me have the dog until they built a fence. It was depressing to hear the dog cry all night and day. They agreed and said when they had the money they were going to fix the fence. I asked the man a few weeks ago if he was going to get around to fixing the fence and he said he couldn't afford it. I can provide love, a yard and attention for the dog but not medical care. I have 4 dogs of my own. A week ago I told his son that I had found a good home for the dog which is true. These people have money a large yard and another female dog. They are the perfect match for this dog. Well the son told me "let me know". Well I sold the dog for the same price the neighbors paid for it and now he has a perfect life. Now I have to go next door and hand them the money. I wonder if they will be mad. The little girl this morning asked where the dog was. Its funny how they never asked about how he is doing any other time.

Am I a total jerk? I probably should have set them up for this. I was a scared they would ask for it back.

LilacDragon · 07-06-2008, 08:27 PM

If you offered to rehome the dog and they gave you the dog to rehome - then you are not a jerk. And personally - instead of handing them the money, I would donate it to a local pittie rescue. Since you didn't mention selling the dog, they aren't expecting the money. And telling them you sold their dog just might make them angry - it would me.

***Cassiepeia*** · 07-07-2008, 12:48 AM

Although you've done what is best for the dog, what you have done is not right. Those people did not (as you've explained it) give you their dog to keep as your own pet. They allowed you to care for the dog tempararily until they were able to provide a secure yard for it.
It doesn't matter how lazy they are at getting the work done, you did not own the dog. Therefore you have sold someone elses dog to people they don't know, without their prior approval.
If I were them I would probably take you to court over it. It was a very stupid thing to do and if I were you I would get the dog back ASAP and talk to the owners about it. Let THEM decide what to do with it. Not go off on your own and make decisions like that.

I know the dog may be better off but it was never your place to do this.

Cass.

LilacDragon · 07-07-2008, 04:17 AM

Cass - are we reading the same OP?

Quote:

A week ago I told his son that I had found a good home for the dog which is true.

As I am reading this, the only thing it sounds to me that the OP did was sell the dog as opposed to rehoming it (which would infer that he gave the dog away.).

***Cassiepeia*** · 07-07-2008, 05:17 AM

Yes and where was the discussion about the actual rehoming of the dog? The son said "let me know" not "go ahead and get rid of it". I realise we're not getting the full story here, but that's just how I read it.

I apologise if I have got the wrong end of the stick here. I just would HATE someone to go ahead and sell my dog without full discussion with me. If permission was given in this case, that's ok...but then why the hesitation about going next door and telling them that the dog is sold? If they were allowed to do so it would be no issue at all, surely?

Cass.

superjtrdr · 07-07-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilacDragon

Cass - are we reading the same OP?

As I am reading this, the only thing it sounds to me that the OP did was sell the dog as opposed to rehoming it (which would infer that he gave the dog away.).

Well the son kind of gave the go ahead. It depends on how you look at it. I just found out yesterday that my room offered to buy the dog a month ago once he got his own place. He had previously shown interest in the do but I thought his life was way to unstable for this kind of responsibility. The lady was OK with the idea. So that tells me that she didn't really didn't have plans on getting the dog back. Her husband never wanted the dog in the first place.

This dog might be alive if it were not for me in the first place. I remember one day last summer when it was 98 degrees outside they made a strange decision. They used a 3 foot rope and tied the dog to a barred gate. This left the dog with no shade and no water. After 2 hours of hearing the dog cry I went over there with bucket of water and food. How long could he have lived that way? The answer is probably not long. You would have to understand just how hot it gets in South Texas in the summer to know where I am comming from. I might also add that this is not there first chain dog they had. The last one they had for a year and half and then called the pound to pick it up.

I know what I did was technically wrong. I have to live with them as neighbors. Will they view me as a jerk? By reading these post they probably will.

GSD · 07-07-2008, 09:46 AM

well they might just be happy to get some money. Usually just leaving a dog tied out all day and not really caring for it doesn't really infer a lot of emotional attachment by the owners. That said, selling a dog that isn't really yours can get you in trouble.

LilacDragon · 07-07-2008, 03:11 PM

Then again - if they don't get any money from the pup, maybe they will think again before getting another dog.

Personally, if you haven't mentioned the money to the neighbors - the wife is fine with the dog being rehomed and the husband doesn't expect to see the dog again - I would give the money to a rescue group. They are always cleaning up messes like this (tied to trees w/o food, water or shade) and paying out of pocket for vetting, etc. Put the money where it will do some real good.

Punkygirl0101 · 07-08-2008, 04:37 PM

One of my dogs (Bjorn) lived outside chained up in the sun in 112f with no water. he was only 3 months at the time!!! Me and my friend begged the owner to let us have him, and she agreed cause she didn't "like nor want the dog"..so she just handed him over! So I think what you did was a good thing.

Dangels · 07-09-2008, 07:57 PM

I think what you did put the dog in a better place, however, as stated above from what i'm reading.... it doesn't sound like you had permission to place/sell the dog nor does it sound like the dog was actually given to you.

Quote:

I pleaded with them to let me have the dog until they built a fence. It was depressing to hear the dog cry all night and day. They agreed and said when they had the money they were going to fix the fence.

From what I understand, you offered to care for the dog until they could get their fence fixed. If that is the case, you technically had no right to do anything with the dog, other than what you had agreed to do.... watch their dog until they could fix the fence. I agree with Cass, if someone had taken one of my dogs, offered to watch it, and then sold/placed it without asking/getting my permission, I would have also taken you to court over it. I feel it would be best for you to get the dog back, and then speak with the owners about placing the dog in a new home. It's always a good idea to get a paper stating that the dog was surrendered to you also, it should state that the previous owner(s) are signing all rights to the dog over to you. I understand that you did what you thought was right for the dog.... but from what i'm getting from your posts, you had totally no right to go ahead and place their dog.

I hope that everything works out alright, let us know what happens. Best of luck!

superjtrdr · 07-09-2008, 09:18 PM

I just checked on the dog today. Yesterday he received his first medical checkup. He now has all of his shots and is in good shape. He lives in a huge backyard with a 14 month old female. In the evening when the owners get home from work he stays in the house.

The neighbors have not said one word to me about getting the dog back in 3 months. Now they know the dog is gone and still haven't asked. I am trying to stall the pay out just in case the owner wants his money back. This weekend I plan to hand the cash to them. They had several hints along the way about selling the dog. First my roommate makes an offer, which the lady agreed to, and then I prime their son up for the possibility. If it were me I would be reminding the person that I am looking forward to getting my dog back.

Punkygirl0101 · 07-09-2008, 09:36 PM

The new owners are not going to be breeding him to their female are they?

superjtrdr · 07-09-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punkygirl0101

The new owners are not going to be breeding him to their female are they?

No she is fixed. I was careful about that. If he wasn't a pit bull it wouldn't really bother me so much.At the same time I am against breeding for profit any dog. People bread these dogs for the wrong reasons. I already have 4 dogs and they are all stray mixed breeds. I would have kept him otherwise. He was the baby of the pack. I really miss him.

***Swiftwind*** · 07-10-2008, 05:00 AM

First of all, what a gorgeous dog!

How did the neighbours react when you told them you had sold their dog? If I was in your situation, I would get them to sign a statement/stat dec stating that they gave you permission to rehome their dog etc etc because these sorts of arrangements can (and do) easily backfire and get out of hand, and it's so easy for them to turn around and say that you stole their dog, even if you didn't. It's very risky only having a verbal agreement... everything is so much safer when it's in writing.

superjtrdr · 07-10-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiftwind

First of all, what a gorgeous dog!

How did the neighbours react when you told them you had sold their dog? If I was in your situation, I would get them to sign a statement/stat dec stating that they gave you permission to rehome their dog etc etc because these sorts of arrangements can (and do) easily backfire and get out of hand, and it's so easy for them to turn around and say that you stole their dog, even if you didn't. It's very risky only having a verbal agreement... everything is so much safer when it's in writing.

Well I haven't exactly told them but they know now.

07-06-2008, 07:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
superjtrdr superjtrdr Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	Am I a jerk ?????? My neigbors had a 12 month old pit bull. The dog was tied to a 7 foot chain 24/7. I pleaded with them to let me have the dog until they built a fence. It was depressing to hear the dog cry all night and day. They agreed and said when they had the money they were going to fix the fence. I asked the man a few weeks ago if he was going to get around to fixing the fence and he said he couldn't afford it. I can provide love, a yard and attention for the dog but not medical care. I have 4 dogs of my own. A week ago I told his son that I had found a good home for the dog which is true. These people have money a large yard and another female dog. They are the perfect match for this dog. Well the son told me "let me know". Well I sold the dog for the same price the neighbors paid for it and now he has a perfect life. Now I have to go next door and hand them the money. I wonder if they will be mad. The little girl this morning asked where the dog was. Its funny how they never asked about how he is doing any other time. Am I a total jerk? I probably should have set them up for this. I was a scared they would ask for it back.

07-07-2008, 12:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	Although you've done what is best for the dog, what you have done is not right. Those people did not (as you've explained it) give you their dog to keep as your own pet. They allowed you to care for the dog tempararily until they were able to provide a secure yard for it. It doesn't matter how lazy they are at getting the work done, you did not own the dog. Therefore you have sold someone elses dog to people they don't know, without their prior approval. If I were them I would probably take you to court over it. It was a very stupid thing to do and if I were you I would get the dog back ASAP and talk to the owners about it. Let THEM decide what to do with it. Not go off on your own and make decisions like that. I know the dog may be better off but it was never your place to do this. Cass.
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07-07-2008, 05:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	Yes and where was the discussion about the actual rehoming of the dog? The son said "let me know" not "go ahead and get rid of it". I realise we're not getting the full story here, but that's just how I read it. I apologise if I have got the wrong end of the stick here. I just would HATE someone to go ahead and sell my dog without full discussion with me. If permission was given in this case, that's ok...but then why the hesitation about going next door and telling them that the dog is sold? If they were allowed to do so it would be no issue at all, surely? Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

07-08-2008, 04:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
Punkygirl0101 7 Doxies-1 Chi-3 Mutts Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Valley,California Posts: 2,045 Rep Power: 84	One of my dogs (Bjorn) lived outside chained up in the sun in 112f with no water. he was only 3 months at the time!!! Me and my friend begged the owner to let us have him, and she agreed cause she didn't "like nor want the dog"..so she just handed him over! So I think what you did was a good thing.
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07-09-2008, 09:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
Punkygirl0101 7 Doxies-1 Chi-3 Mutts Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Valley,California Posts: 2,045 Rep Power: 84	The new owners are not going to be breeding him to their female are they?
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07-06-2008, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
LilacDragon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 338 Rep Power: 63	If you offered to rehome the dog and they gave you the dog to rehome - then you are not a jerk. And personally - instead of handing them the money, I would donate it to a local pittie rescue. Since you didn't mention selling the dog, they aren't expecting the money. And telling them you sold their dog just might make them angry - it would me.

07-07-2008, 09:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,133 Rep Power: 138	well they might just be happy to get some money. Usually just leaving a dog tied out all day and not really caring for it doesn't really infer a lot of emotional attachment by the owners. That said, selling a dog that isn't really yours can get you in trouble.

07-07-2008, 03:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
LilacDragon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 338 Rep Power: 63	Then again - if they don't get any money from the pup, maybe they will think again before getting another dog. Personally, if you haven't mentioned the money to the neighbors - the wife is fine with the dog being rehomed and the husband doesn't expect to see the dog again - I would give the money to a rescue group. They are always cleaning up messes like this (tied to trees w/o food, water or shade) and paying out of pocket for vetting, etc. Put the money where it will do some real good.

07-09-2008, 09:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
superjtrdr superjtrdr Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	I just checked on the dog today. Yesterday he received his first medical checkup. He now has all of his shots and is in good shape. He lives in a huge backyard with a 14 month old female. In the evening when the owners get home from work he stays in the house. The neighbors have not said one word to me about getting the dog back in 3 months. Now they know the dog is gone and still haven't asked. I am trying to stall the pay out just in case the owner wants his money back. This weekend I plan to hand the cash to them. They had several hints along the way about selling the dog. First my roommate makes an offer, which the lady agreed to, and then I prime their son up for the possibility. If it were me I would be reminding the person that I am looking forward to getting my dog back.

07-10-2008, 05:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
*Swiftwind* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 5,750 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 205	First of all, what a gorgeous dog! How did the neighbours react when you told them you had sold their dog? If I was in your situation, I would get them to sign a statement/stat dec stating that they gave you permission to rehome their dog etc etc because these sorts of arrangements can (and do) easily backfire and get out of hand, and it's so easy for them to turn around and say that you stole their dog, even if you didn't. It's very risky only having a verbal agreement... everything is so much safer when it's in writing.
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